Fubara's Leadership Challenges: A Candid Look

APC Spokesman Criticizes Governor Fubara's Leadership

Chibike Ikenga, the outspoken spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has laid the blame squarely on Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the political turmoil that has engulfed the state. This crisis eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency. Speaking to Naija News, Ikenga accused Fubara of being swayed by ethnic chauvinists, which pushed him toward an ethnic agenda that only deepened the state's problems.

In a candid interview with News Central, Ikenga painted a vivid picture of a leader who, despite being well-prepared for the role, allowed himself to be railroaded out of governance by certain individuals. He stressed that Fubara had the opportunity to address the political crisis early on but failed to act decisively. "Governor Fubara was groomed for this role, but something went awry," Ikenga lamented. "He let himself be influenced by narrow-minded individuals who pushed him toward an ethnic agenda. This is exactly what contributed to the crisis we're facing today. The Governor should have taken strong measures to prevent violence against national assets, but he chose not to act. These inactions snowballed into the state of emergency we're now dealing with."

Behind the Scenes: Fubara's Vulnerabilities

Ikenga went on to explain that Governor Fubara's leadership was weakened not only by external pressures but also by internal missteps. He pointed out that Fubara allowed so-called "meddlesome interlopers" to exploit the situation for their own benefit. "The Governor made himself vulnerable by letting these individuals dictate his moves," Ikenga stated. "Take, for example, House of Representatives member Imo Ugochinyere and his cohorts. They milked the state treasury dry and created unnecessary crises for the Governor. This is the kind of environment that weakened him and set the stage for the state of emergency."

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Why Tinubu's State of Emergency Was Necessary

According to Ikenga, President Bola Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was not just justified but essential. He argued that if Fubara had acted responsibly, such a drastic measure could have been avoided. "President Tinubu is absolutely on the right track," Ikenga emphasized. "The fundamental duty of any government is to protect lives and property. When the Governor failed to fulfill this responsibility, the President had no choice but to step in. He intervened at the perfect time to avert further chaos and save lives. The state of emergency declaration is a direct result of Governor Fubara's inactions and missteps."

Wike's Role in Mediating the Crisis

Ikenga also addressed the role of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in trying to resolve the ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He dismissed claims that Wike benefited from the political instability in the state or the state of emergency imposed by President Tinubu. "Chief Nyesom Wike is a respected figure in Nigerian politics," Ikenga clarified. "Although he belongs to the PDP, he serves as a minister under the APC government. When the Governor and the legislature clashed, it was Wike's duty to mediate and restore balance. He attempted to do so through backdoor meetings and negotiations, but unfortunately, these efforts fell short."

Ikenga recounted how Governor Fubara initially agreed to abide by a presidential proclamation aimed at restoring peace in Rivers State. "I was present at that meeting," he recalled. "The Governor signed the agreement, along with other stakeholders, pledging to follow its provisions. However, after returning from the meeting, Fubara was swayed by what we call 'crisis entrepreneurs.' These individuals, who call themselves partisan elders, convinced the Governor to challenge the President's intervention in court. They argued that it was unconstitutional for the President to intervene. This backtrack ultimately led us to where we are today."

Through his candid remarks, Ikenga painted a complex picture of leadership challenges in Rivers State, emphasizing the importance of decisive action and responsible governance in times of crisis.